Protected: What to wear on date night now that winter is almost here

Using looks from H&M’s winter range.

It might be getting colder, but that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate for three solid months. In fact, some activities are clearly more fun in autumn and winter: road trips through the countryside, film festivals, art exhibitions…the list goes on. Date nights are better too, because we get to wear much cuter outfits and indulge in long, romantic dinners.

Anyway, H&M has launched its new winter collection and let me tell you: it is practically made for the ultimate winter date night, or any winter night out for that matter. Think luxe velvet, sexy suiting, sparkles and faux furs that’ll protect you from the cruel single-digit temperatures.

To celebrate the arrival of H&M’s winter collection, I’ve picked five outfits that you can wear to any winter date night. The best part? You can mix and match these pieces into different evening looks for the entire season, and if they play their cards right, invite them into your daytime wardrobe to pair back with your regular winter basics.

Chic suit

Let’s be clear: when it comes to date night, regardless of what the weather is doing, a chic suit is always a good idea. It’s effortless, timeless and can even handle a day at the office — perfect if you don’t have enough time to get changed after work, or you’re one of those odd people that like meeting your date for pre-work breakfast at the crack of dawn.

Faux fur and leather look

If there was one heavenly ensemble that did it all, it would have to be this: a basic white tee, faux fur coat, leather look pants and strappy heels. This combo has a knack of handling all social situations, all dress codes, all occasions. It’s painfully cool, without looking like you spent three weeks planning the perfect outfit for this date.

Velvet LBD

We all need a wardrobe safety net; the outfit we can always rely on, the outfit we feel amazing in no matter what, and the outfit we can throw on when we’re not the best at time management and are already running late. For many, this safety net is the LBD — and for good reason. Moving into winter, try upgrading yours to something a little more fun and date-approps, like a plunging neckline, luxe velvet fabric and fine sparkle.

Sparkly set

If you’re one to hide in the confines of your little black dress all winter long, make this the season you finally step out of your comfort zone. A good side-step is a sparkly lurex set, which is kind of like an LBD, just WAY MORE FUN. You can also adjust the exposed skin levels by layering a collared shirt underneath, a sharp blazer over the top, or both.

Print on print

Contrary to popular belief, it is actually possible to wear something other than black on a winter date night. In fact, I dare you to wear something other than black. Double dare. Challenge your usual wardrobe, and experiment with contrasting textures, layering proportions and clashing prints that will hit your date with the full force of your dazzling personality.

This article is brought to you by H&M. The winter range is available in-stores Australia-wide.